By JULIUS PHIRI
THE Patriotic Front (PF) has realised that no country can develop if it’s communication network is poor.
It is for this reason that the late Michael Sata invested massively in developing communication to create a basis for development in Zambia.
His successor Edgar Lungu has continued with the projects by improving communication, especially the road network.
The Government has taken into consideration improving the road network both in rural and urban areas.
One such good example is the Chipata –Chadiza-Katete road which is being constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Limited.
The completion of the road will impact positively on the province which is an agricultural community.
The Chinese construction firm has started tarring the dusty road which will make transportation of people and goods easier once completed.
The Chipata –Chadiza-Katete road project is part of the radical ‘Link Zambia 8000 Road Project’ which has seen CSCEC sign a contract valued at K 713, 114, 097.33 for the upgrading of the 150 kilometre stretch of D 128 RD 593, T6 road.?According to a status update published by Road Development Agency (RDA), the construction company began the works on January 15th 2013 with the completion period on January15th 2015.
The contractor is currently in a hurry to complete the project according to the contractual agreement of 36 months, but the works have slowed down due to erratic funding from the Government.
The construction of the road has raised a lot of excitement in among some residents in Chadiza District who clearly understand how the project would benefit them.
Christopher Banda of Bwanunkha said he was happy with the construction of K710 million road projects which CSCEC was doing in Eastern Province.
Mr Banda said for a long time, the Chipata-Chadiza road has been a nightmare to road users.
Another resident from Taferansoni area, Whiteson Zulu said the road project was going well.
“I am very happy that the Government gave an appropriate contractor, China State Construction Engineering Corporation to carry-out the rehabilitation on the road. They are reliable and good,” he said.
When this author visited the site of the construction, it was heartening to note that work is progressing well.
According to project manager Yimo Wang, the Chipata –Chadiza-Katete road is expected to have the durability of 40 years.
Mr Wang explained that his company was renowned for the construction of durable roads.
“The Chipata-Chadiza-Katete Road is going to have a durability of 40 years and it is our desire to construct the road network which can last for longer a period time,” he stated.
He disclosed that his construction, which embarked on the construction of the road had so far engaged 700 workers.
It is this job creation aspect that is worth hailing since the Government recognises the importance of transport in facilitating economic growth, poverty reduction and employment creation in the country.
Better attention to rural roads and appropriate community participation has been shown to enhance the quality of citizenship in Zambia.
Recently, Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga assured the contractor of funding for the project.
“Government is ready to finance the completion of the project as soon as possible and let the contractor not worry because the Government is doing everything possible to move the construction of the road on time,”he stated.
The minister’s sentiments were echoed by Parliamentary Committee on Estimates led by committee chairperson who is Bweengwa UPND Member of Parliament (MP) Highvie Hamududu who equally assured the contractor of seeking audience with relevant authorities to ensure that payment was done to ensure the project was completed in time.
This was after the parliamentary committee had expressed satisfaction of the road project.
Mr Wang said he was happy that the parliamentary committee had visited the project.
“I am particularly happy that the committee had assured my company about the payment issue. This is very good and it has rejuvenated the company’s commitment to the project,” he said.
The project has also attracted attention of traditional leaders like Paramount Chief Mpezeni who has called for quick completion of the project.
Chief Mpezeni said the project which will boost economic activities in various districts of the province should be finished quickly.
The paramount chief explained that he would follow-up the issue of payment with the Government.
He said there is need to complete the project in time for people, especially farmers to benefit.
Mr Wang stated that erratic payment was the biggest challenge that has slowed the project.
Indeed, the completion of the Chipata-Chadiza-Katete road will be a morale booster to the farmers who have been facing difficulties in ferrying their produce to various destinations for sale.
The completion would also create abundant opportunities for residents who will move easily and connect with other provinces in Zambia.